Effect of self-pollination monitored by microsatellite markers on maize kernel weight

Abstract

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of fertilization by autopollen on maize kernel weight. Fivesingle cross hybrids (30F90. A2555, DKB333B, 2223, and 2324) were planted and hybrid leaf samples taken for DNAextraction. The crosses 2223XDKB333B; 2223XA2555; 2324XDKB333B and 2324XP30F90 were performed. Ten kernels ofeach ear of each cross were separated, sown in a greenhouse and the DNA of the respective seedlings was extracted, to identifythe kernel origin. The results obtained here demonstrated that allopollen increased the mean kernel weight by 16.5mg (gainof 4.65%). The proportion of sampled allopollen to self pollen was statistically equal, according to the c2 test, demonstratingthat there were no significant differences between the proportion of fertilized and sampled allopollen and autopollen in the ear.It was concluded that compared to autopollen, allopollen increases the mean weight of fertilized grain.

Keywords

• xenia effect
• allopollen
• SSR
• kernel weight